HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT RAINCOAT?

A good raincoat is a wardrobe staple. However, choosing the right one can be a minefield. Raincoats come with a variety of bells and whistles, and in all the colors of the rainbow. They come with high-end brands attached, with the price tag to match, but are also available for little more than the cost of lunch and a coffee. What is the difference? How much do you have to pay to get the coat you want? You need to be able to decode the technical language used to describe your coat to choose one that is suitable for your purpose but at the right price for you. Here's a simple guide to help you find your perfect raincoat.

There are a number of considerations that are worth taking into account if you want to choose a raincoat that is suitable for the purpose you have in mind. There is no point in choosing a coat for off-road cycling that, when wet, weighs more than your bike. Or a coat for the school race that leaves you standing on the playground in mid-December soaked to the skin with teeth chattering louder than a school bell.

So at the top of the list, your first consideration should be performance, or in other words, what conditions do you expect your raincoat to meet? Once you've decided what you want to wear the coat for, you'll be more likely to spend your hard-earned money on your perfect jacket, one that's worn over and over again, rather than being consigned to a forgotten peg. collect dust.

Material

Paying attention to the materials that have been used to build your coat should be a high priority as they will determine the performance of the coat. Is the coat waterproof? Or is it waterproof?

The degree to which the material can resist ingress of water is measured by hydrostatic head.

To be 100% waterproof, the British standard of 3 PSI must be met, which can withstand 1500mm of pressure. All Lighthouse designs are 3000mm or larger so they are completely waterproof. During the manufacturing process, the material is covered with a thin layer of waterproof coating such as Teflon or Goretex. Good quality garments will also have taped seams to ensure that water does not enter the coat design at any time.

Headlight coats and jackets are designed to be technically strong and beautifully crafted. They'll keep you covered for city breaks, country walks, and ocean walks, and while they're functional and practical for any sudden downpour, they're not suitable for hiking, camping, or other strenuous activities.

Hot

The number of layers used to make the coat will have an impact on how hot it is. If you want to stay dry during the summer rains while still staying cool, choose a lightweight, breathable material with a lightweight, breathable lining. If you're sick of shivering on the playground in November and need a waterproof coat that will also keep you comfortable during the winter school run, choose a design with a quilted or quilted lining for extra warmth.

Design details

Designers include additional elements in coats and jackets to make them even more functional and fit for purpose. Make sure the hood fits well and has levers to hold it in place, as a raincoat without a comfortable hood will not turn out to be a good investment. Other items that will be important in your daily wear of the coat could include:

Number and location of pockets: is there room for your wallet and phone or a pair of winter gloves?

Wrist closures and drawstrings at the waist: These can help ensure that your coat fits and flatters your body shape.

Coat Length: If you want a light summer jacket for light showers, a hip-length coat should suffice. If you want to stay dry during a heavy winter downpour, you can benefit from a longer 3/4 length or full length style.

Fit: If you intend to wear your coat during fall and winter, you may also need to verify that you can comfortably tuck multiple layers, including a sweater, under your coat. You should also check that the sleeves are long enough to cover your wrists without riding up your arm when you move.

Once you have considered all of these elements, you will have a coat that will feel comfortable, look great, and suit your lifestyle. Put on your perfect raincoat and you can throw caution to the wind (or should it be rain?) Even when dark clouds threaten and those first raindrops start to fall.